Interview with A.W. Baldwin, Author of Diamonds of Devil’s Tail: A Relic Novel

Hello,

Today’s interview is with A.W. Baldwin, author of Diamonds of Devil’s Tail: A Relic Novel.

Please find it below.

Thank you,

-Vincent Lowry

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Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?

A.W. Baldwin.  I live in Wyoming.  My books are all available on amazon and also can be ordered through any bookstore.

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?

Diamonds of Devil’s Tail – outdoor thriller

3) What is the book about? 

It centers on how people behave when an opportunity for great wealth presents itself, in this case, diamonds in a remote canyon — how they handle the urge for that wealth and what they are, or are not, willing to do to get it.  Wealth without work can lead to violence and injustice, and it does in this story.  The deeper characters of the actors are revealed in their struggle and the final resolution.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?

I’ve always wanted to write a story involving a cast of strangers on a trip together and the whitewater excursion was perfect for that.

5) How long did it take you to write it?

About 12 months

6) Did you learn anything from the project?

I feel like I’m always learning, especially about plot lines and getting a good rhythm going for high action scenes and character interactions.

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?

Yes. awbaldwin.com. I have a trailer for both Raptor Canyon and Wings Over Ghost Creek.

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists? 

Daniel Thiede does my book cover art and he’s fantastic.  The design, the color, and the theme that runs through each of the covers are really great.  As for tips, I’d say write what you want, work on your craft, and enjoy the process.  If that’s not working right, none of the rest will, either.

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?

Thrillers and mysteries, mostly, but yes I am open to new authors and reviewing their work if I have the time.  I like a novel with lots of action but with good humor, too.

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why? 

I don’t know about a favorite book of all time, but I grew up on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ stories of Tarzan.  More currently, Clive Cussler is a guiding star, as is Wilbur Smith – masters of the high adventure.

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?

Not at the moment but I am a long-time “dog” guy – English Setters, Golden Retrievers, mostly.

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?

No.  When reading, I like the feel of a paperback best.

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Interview with Bill Boggs, author of The Adventures of Spike the Wonder Dog

Hello,

Today’s interview is with Bill Boggs, author of The Adventures of Spike the Wonder Dog.

Please enjoy.

Best,

Vincent Lowry

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Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?

Bill Boggs. I live between New York and Florida.

  

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?

“The Adventures of Spike the Wonder Dog:” as told to Bill Boggs. It is satire, social commentary in the Jerry Seinfeld vein, absurdist humor, and a touch of personal memoir regarding my life as a TV talk show host, narrated by fiction’s funniest canine.

 

3) What is the book about? 

The madcap adventures of a dog and his master who become TV and social media stars and the price they both pay for fame.

 

4) Where did you come up with the idea?

I had a very funny dog on my morning TV show, “Southern Exposure with Bill Boggs,” in High Point, N/C. His name was Spike and he was a big hit on the show and very popular throughout the south where the show was syndicated. Before leaving for NYC and my big break hosting “Midday Live” Spike was killed by a drunk driver. I thought, what if Spike hadn’t died and came to NYC with a guy like me in today’s world and became a big hit….and that’s how it all started.

 

5) How long did it take you to write it?

Three full years including two comprehensive edits and the continued addition of more comedy..called “punching up” in the business.

 

6) Did you learn anything from the project?

Yes many things. First, it is still possible to satirize our culture, although it frequently appears to be satirizing itself. Second, that I could block out the time to write even though I have a busy life. Third, that the narrative came to me and I was writing in the voice of my central character who was a dog, that was a huge insight. I can think like a dog who comes across as an observational comedian.

 

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video? (There are videos on the various social media platforms.)

Twitter: @SpikeWonderDog – https://twitter.com/SpikeWonderDog

Instagram: Spike the Wonder Dog ­ https://www.instagram.com/spike_wonderdog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wonderdogTV

YouTube–Bill Boggs TVs – https://www.youtube.com/user/BillBoggsTV

Amazon Link – Orderspike.com

Website – https://spikethewonderdog.com/

twitter @realbillboggs.com

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/379950.Bill_Boggs

billboggs.com

 

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists?

It is very important to have as much social media following as possible. Make sure your publisher sends books to the NYT and other national publications weeks in advance of publishing date. I can suggest a good cover designer if needed.

 

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?

I most like to read biographies and history and books written by my friends. If I know someone who has written a book, I always buy it. Of course, I am open to reading new authors, someone has to replace Steven King eventually. I am currently deep into writing the sequel to “The adventures of Spike the Wonder Dog,” and not available to review books, but I would be in the future. I do not read other fiction when I am writing fiction.

 

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why?

“ACT ONE,” by Moss Hart. A rags-to-riches story written brilliantly. 

 

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?

I’ve had many but right now, it’s just The Wonder Dog in my mind.

 

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?

I listen to audio books on my phone and have an iPad on which I can read, but I prefer the printed page a little bit more.

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Interview with Amitabh Sarwate, Author of Humorously Yours! (Tales from the Gymkhana)

Hello,

Today’s interview is with Amitabh Sarwate, author of Humorously Yours! (Tales from the Gymkhana)

The link to buy it on Amazon is above!

Please see it below.

Thank you!

Best,

Vincent Lowry

_____

Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?
Author’s name: Amitabh D Sarwate. Residence address: Los Gatos, CA, USA

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?
Title of book: ‘Humorously Yours’. Genre: Humor

3) What is the book about? 
It’s a collection of 11 hilarious short stories inspired by real life events and characters. It’s a PG Wodehouse meets Indian Curry brand of humor :)Since its recent debut on Amazon, it has hit the Kindle bestseller list on several occasions.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?
The PG Wodehouse character Mr. Mulliner was the inspiration behind the book. I conceived a Mr. Mulliner kind of character in a very Indian setting. Thischaracter is a storyteller who operates from a famous sports clubhouse in a large Indian city, and regales his audience with quirky and witty stories often on their own dime.

5) How long did it take you to write it?
It was a 2 year long effort

6) Did you learn anything from the project?
A debut fiction book is a labor of love – from writing, editing, finding an agent and then a publisher – all takes time, but when you hold your first copy in hand, you realize it was all worth the trouble. From this particular project, I learnt to appreciate the art of picking up the traits of people from life all around us, the sights and sounds of the cities we live and work in, and use them to paint the stories in the book. It develops your powers of observation and the ability to absorb everyday situations and find humor in them.

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?
Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/amitabh.sarwateBook video is available at: https://www.facebook.com/amitabh.sarwate/videos/10158371477819605

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists? 
Commit the time to the writing process and enjoy it! The drafts, the editing, search for an agent, publisher – enjoy the process! Rejection is an inevitable part of the journey, but trust yourself, trust your writing and don’t give up. More than ever before, writers can find numerous platforms to publish their work.

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?
I like reading Humor, Spirituality and Non-fiction. I can assist new first time authors and share my learnings with them.

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why? 
Hard to pick one! So many.. 🙂

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?
A dog. His name is Einstein. He is an adorable golden-doodle @ 5 years old.

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?

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Interview with Angie Hundley, Author of A Recipe for Bad Lemons – Ingredients for Success from Life’s Sour Moments

Good morning,

I’m pleased to bring you this interview with Angie Hundley, author of the memoir: “A Recipe for Bad Lemons – Ingredients for Success from Life’s Sour Moments.”

The link to purchase the book is found above!

Please enjoy!

Best,

Vincent Lowry

_____

Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?

Angie Hundley, Kansas

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?

A Recipe For Bad Lemons: Ingredients for Success from Life’s Sour Moments 

Memoir/Autobiography 

3) What is the book about? 

My memoir describes 8 “bad lemon” scenarios and my personal ingredient for overcoming each one. My first chapter talks about overcoming physical and sexual abuse resulting in 18 months of foster care before my sisters were adopted in separate homes. My subsequent chapters talk about a fatal car wreck where I had to overcome PTSD in efforts to drive again, pregnancy in college and finishing my degree as a mother, divorce, scary pregnancy, cancer scare, meeting my birth parents and my final chapter talks about how I turned a business mess into success. The chapters are summed up with a recipe for life’s success.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?

I decided to write a book after I realized that the success rate of foster children is less than five percent. I didn’t realize I fell in a small statistical category and wanted to inspire others to find their success.

5) How long did it take you to write it?

I wrote the first thirty pages and then put it down for five years. I wrote the final 125 pages over the winter of 2019/2020. 

6) Did you learn anything from the project?

Prior to publishing my memoir, I was unaware of all the efforts that goes into the publication process. I was fortunate to have a well-versed publishing team to assist me with my final product. 

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?

My website has everything on it: https://angiehundley.com/

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists? 

I fell in love with the text to voice option on Microsoft Word. Often times, our brains will insert missing words as we read so having that capability definitely helped with the editing process. Also, I have been asked several times how to write a book and I always suggest to build a strong outline with detailed notes. I lived off of mine!

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?

I like memoirs and autobiographies. 

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why? 

I have read so many but I would say The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. I’m currently reading Small Ball Big Results by Joel Goldberg. 

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?

I have a Doberman puppy. She is currently 3 months old and her name is Piper. She’s quite spoiled!

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?

I do not. 

Interview with Kanika Saxena, Author of Gift Yourself a Smile

Good afternoon,

We have an interview today with Kanika Saxena, author of Gift Yourself a Smile.

Please see it below and enjoy! (The link to the book on Amazon is found above!)

Best,

-Vincent Lowry

______

Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?

My name is Kanika Saxena. I live in India.

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?

“Gift Yourself a Smile” is a non-fiction, self-help book.

3) What is the book about? 

This book is an attempt to make people realize the importance of being happy and smiling. I think that this book is relevant in today’s scenario when most of us are stressed out due to different reasons. This book emphasizes the power of the smile to help one de-stress, build relationships, boost immunity, and enhance the quality of life. This book stresses the fact that we don’t exactly need our wishes to be fulfilled to smile and feel happy. We need to gift ourselves that smile to make our lives more beautiful.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?

The idea came to my mind when I happened to read a What’s App message from a friend. It was a motivational message about smiling and staying happy. The message was interspersed with emoticons of smiles. It was shared by a friend who does not exactly strike me as a happy person or one who smiles too often. It got me thinking about how we have become a generation that is too eager to share smileys and inspirational messages with others without actually “practicing what we preach.” I thought of how communication through devices has become popular in a world that seems to be losing “feelings” and emotions. I thought of writing this book to remind my audience about the importance of connecting on a “human” level instead of through devices. According to my a smile is one of the best ways to connect with others. It not only makes the one smiling happy but also spreads joy to others around. Smiling also brings a host of health benefits. So, this book is my humble attempt to make people smile!

5) How long did it take you to write it?

It took me about 10 days to write this book.

6) Did you learn anything from the project?

Being a professional content writer, I tend to dig a little deep into the topic I am writing on. So, it was while writing this book that I realized the health benefits a simple smile brings. 

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?

Yes, I have an author website kanikasaxena.com. I am proud to say that I have created this website myself. I created this site in the first week of December and it still needs some finishing to be done. I love to share self-help blogs on my website. I am also in the process of setting up Email marketing for my website so that I can interact on a personal level with my readers. 

This is the second book that I have self-published. The first was “A Lockdown Story” which I had self-published in June. My third book is with the publisher. It is called “Are Teeny Tiny Stress Triggers Troubling You?”

I do have a video of my interview which was conducted after the release of my first book.

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists? 

Consistency is one of the most important things when it comes to writing a book. Make sure that you allocate fixed timings for writing the book. And, even on the days when you don’t feel like writing, try to pen down a few words, maybe 100-200, just to keep up the momentum.

Try to avoid editing in between. Complete the entire manuscript and then edit. This is something that I find difficult to follow myself.

People do judge a book by its cover! So, a well-designed cover is a must.

The title of the book is also an important factor for its success. Make sure that you spend enough time to think of a unique and catchy title.

Just writing a good book is not enough. If you want your book to reach a larger audience, you need to dedicate time to market it also. 

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?

I like to read non-fiction books. I prefer books on self-management and success. As far as fiction books go I like to read crime thrillers.

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why? 

The Bhagwad Gita. On the face of it, this book seems to be a religious text. But it is way more than that. This book teaches some vital lessons that can transform one’s life. It can change our complete perspective on life. This book brought me to a state of “living” from that of “surviving.”

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?

I do not have pets. But other than my family, I do have living things in my life that I take care of my plants. I love greenery and flowers. I even create organic compost using kitchen waste for my garden. So I guess my plants could qualify as my pets!

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?

I do not have an electronic reading device because I guess I am a little old-school when it comes to reading. I enjoy having a book in my hands and reading it.

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Interview with Harry Colfer, author of Dead Regular

Hello,

Today’s interview is with Harry Colfer.

Please enjoy!

Best,

Vincent Lowry

Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)? Hi Vincent, my name is… no hold on, my pseudonym is Harry Colfer. I am a paramedic working in Brisbane, Australia, and because I have fictionalised my experiences I feel it’s only healthy to maintain a certain degree of anonymity. 2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre? I have just released my first novel, Dead Regular, which is a murder mystery. It features a paramedic called Jono, who has already been the subject of 20 short stories in the humorous Ambo Tales from the Frontline series. 3) What is the book about?  Well, Jono is a little, how should I put it… jaded with his role? No, perhaps disaffected is a better word. He really wants to love his job, but he can’t cope with the overbearing management. However, when several of the regular time-wasting patients turn up dead he won’t ignore the mounting body count. He’s convinced that someone has taken it upon themselves to clean up the city, but nobody else seems to care. It’s full of dark ambo humour with an equal measure of suspense! 4) Where did you come up with the idea? [ Laughs ] You just need to talk to any paramedic about regular patients, you’ll get the picture! I have to say that it was an interesting mental exercise to come up with several non-suspicious ways of killing people, in a fictional context, of course! 5) How long did it take you to write it? I was advised by my wife back in 2012 to write a book as a way of dealing with my work-related stresses. It took me two-and-a-half years to finish the first draft and then about six years of editing, re-writing and dithering about the risks of publishing. Even though it is a fictional story, ambulance services worldwide are ‘risk averse’ when it comes to any publication that could be perceived as a less than positive portrayal. I am still nervous about releasing Dead Regular, but in the words of Tom Cruise in the dubbed version of Risky Business, sometimes you just gotta say what the F-Hell. 6) Did you learn anything from the project? Writing’s the easy part! ‘Killing your darlings’ and editing over and over again can be so hard and very tedious, but it’s essential to produce a story you’re happy to let others read. And I guess that’s what it’s all about. 7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video? You can find my website at www.harrycolfer.com and I’m not sure what a book video is… so, I guess I don’t have one. I would like to produce audiobook versions of my short stories and eventually the novel, but I’ll have to find some time to work on that. 8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists?  You’ll have to ask me that one again in a few months! If success is simply measured by getting my book published, then find yourself a partner who’s a great alpha reader and not afraid to tell you when you’ve written a pile of rubbish. Also, look into Scrivener as a writing tool, ProWritingAid for grammar, BetaBooks for beta reading and Vellum as publishing software. And find yourself a group of supportive friends who can keep you motivated! Oh, and I did the cover art, but as my wife will point out, it was her idea! 9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work? Crime, thrillers, mystery, humour, action and adventure, science fiction. I tend to devour a book in a feeding frenzy and so I have to have some spare time to allow myself the indulgence. Although I have my favourites, I’m always open to reading new authors and if you expect others to read your drafts, you have to be open to reviewing other peoples’ manuscripts. It’s part of networking. 10) What is your favorite book of all time and why?  That’s a difficult one. I have never liked all-time-favourite lists as my tastes are so eclectic and are likely to change with the weather or time of day. If pushed for an answer right now, Blood Works by Michael Connelly comes to mind, but that’s probably because I’m in the middle of the Bosch TV series! 11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind? No. My wife has a dog which apparently I’m very fond of, but I’m less than convinced. I do have wild king parrots that will feed from my hand, but I don’t think they count as pets. 12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it? An iPad. Although a Kindle is cool, the added functionality of an iPad blows it out of the water. I can read books on my iPad and also write them and it rarely leaves my side!

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Interview with Susan Taylor-Reeves, Author of Return to the Garden

Hello,

Today I’m pleased to bring you this interview with Susan Taylor-Reeves, author of Return to the Garden.

Please enjoy!

Best,

Vincent Lowry

Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?

Susan Taylor-Reeves, I live in Brisbane, Australia

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?

Return to the Garden. It is a fiction novel for young adults.

3) What is the book about? 

The first created creature in who wakes to find himself in The Garden, he is all knowing, and alone, so he thinks! The animals in The Garden witness the fall of man and are forced to live outside of the garden that was created for them. These are the tales of Lowey and Savannah who lead their fellow creatures, helping them adjust to life in a new community called The Clearing, while they search for a way to return to The Garden and back into the peace that they had once known.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?

I have always had a love of animals and our planet and finally became a Vegan 5 years ago after driving behind a truck of cattle bound for the slaughterhouse (I assumed). Since that time I have become involved in animal rescues and in particular QLD Guinea Pig Refuge in Brisbane. I foster guinea pigs and have many foster fail guinea pigs of my own. Earlier this year I lost four of my little ones over a couple of months and wrote a poem about ‘A Party over the Rainbow’, a place that many people refer to when their pet passes away. I have always beleived that animals have a place in Heaven, and as a Christian always pray for the creatures in my care. A dear friend Lynne Hudson, is an artist and I commissioned her to paint a picture of my guinea pigs in heaven.  In the Book of Genesis after the Great Flood, the Lord makes a covenant with all living things, Genesis 9:5 so I decided to write this book inspired by the Word of God and the creation story.

5) How long did it take you to write it?

It has taken me 4 months to write the book.

6) Did you learn anything from the project?

This being my first book, it has been a very steep learning curve, especially in the area of new ideas and editing. I am currently writing book two and am much more organised!!

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?

My website is www.chuckleinn.com Once the book is available, Lowey the main character in Return to the Garden will have his own blog.

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists? 

Believe in your characters and let them come alive in your life, I talk about my characters like they are real people, even friends.

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?

I enjoy reading non-fiction, biographies but also young adult thrillers and science fiction/fantasy.

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why? 

When a Monster Calls.  I really enjoy young adult fiction which incorporate animals for example The Narnia series. When a Monster Calls is so incredibly deep, I found myself so caught up in the emotion that Connor, the main character experiences and takes you into world of fantasy. It covers many issues that so many young people face today and gives a message of hope. Even the story behind how the story came about is powerful.

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?

I have many pets, all rescue animals, two dogs, Bramwell and Ruby, two cats Simba and Baby Joey, a tank full of fish and 36 guinea pigs.

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?

I use the kindle app on my iPad, however it cannot be compaired to holding a good book, and smelling the pages, and of course never needs charging!

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Interview with Phyllis Kerr, Author of Wildcat (A Texas Romance Series)

Good morning!

Today’s interview is with Phyllis Kerr, author of Wildcat (A Texas Romance Series).

Please enjoy!

Best,

-Vincent Lowry

Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?     Hello. My name is Phyllis Kerr and I am a native Texan.  2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?      I have a new book in my A Texas Romance Series titled Wildcat and it is a story about a girl searching her way through a difficult time in her journey to womanhood. 3) What is the book about?       Sugar’s path is particularly difficult because her mother left the family when Sugar was only four years old. Her father, Cattle Baron Quint Riley, made sure she learned all the skills needed to someday inherit the ranch in her turn and carry on his legacy in his name. But not the skills to deal with a husband in name only and her awakening feelings of the need for a mate to love and create a family. She needs to find the missing parts of her femaleness in order to set her life on a balanced path to reach her life goals. 4) Where did you come up with the idea?      I started thinking about this story after reading a true story about a girl forced into marriage at the age of fourteen and how she coped with her circumstances throughout her life. Her story touched my heart and Sugar’s story grew from that foundation. 5) How long did it take you to write it?     When I wrote my first book, I sharpened a pencil and found a yellow legal pad and wrote from beginning to end. I did buy an electric eraser about a quarter of the way through, so that helped speed things up. That one took about two years. This time I bought a new computer, read as many planning your writing books as I could get my hands on, planning software that I could manipulate to suit my needs and finished right at four months. 6) Did you learn anything from the project?           I learned so much from this project. Mostly that writing is fun when you set your characters free to be themselves. I love watching them work their ways out of the situations they get themselves into. 7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?  I have a new website. It’s really basic right now because I don’t have a clue about how to make technology work for me. I know the Help staff fights over who has to help me next time. You can find me at phylliskerr.com and email–phylliskerrbooks @phylliskerr.com. 8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists?     As far as success goes, writing is like any other endeavor in your life, how hard are you willing to work to achieve what you consider successful? I have a great Cover and Website Designer. I love working with her, she’s terrific. Carrie at cheekycovers.com. 9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?      New authors are awesome. I actually do love reading their work and writing reviews. But when I am working on a book, my book becomes my main focus and takes most of my time, day and night. 10) What is your favorite book of all time and why?       Of course, I love to read. I have my degree in Literature because I find it fascinating. So, of course, my favorite book is a long list of wonderful books that grows longer every day. But as a romance writer I would have to say I fell in love with Pride and Prejudice at an early age. There’s just something special about that Mr. Darcy. 11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?      I have a large orange cat named ChaCho that refuses to leave my side when I am writing. He’s always there, supporting me in bad times and good. He is an excellent listener. 12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?        I have a Kindle paperwhite, I think it’s called. It’s always in my purse when not in use so I never go out without it. I like the size, it’s very small. But the screen can be aggravating when your big fingers keep touching certain parts of the screen and sends you off somewhere unexpected. Thank you, I enjoyed talking to you. Happy writing!

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Interview with DeWayne Landwehr, author of The Engineer Factory

Good Morning,

I’m pleased to bring you this interview today with DeWanye Landwehr, author of The Engineer Factory!

Please enjoy!

Best,

Vincent Lowry

Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?

I use my given name: DeWayne Landwehr.

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?

The Engineer Factory – autobiography.

3) What is the book about? 

A high school graduate from a small mid-western town is surprisingly accepted into one of the toughest engineering schools in the country: General Motors Institute (nicknamed The Engineer Factory by its students).  He is surprised because he doesn’t have all the pre-requisites for entry, but luck is with him.  He struggles with the curriculum because he has not had all the prerequisite courses for entry, so he is always playing catch-up.  In addition, the course load is grueling, and there are no second chances.

During his college education, his attention is distracted by a lot of peripheral events:  his grandfather dies, John Kennedy is shot, race riots reach the college town (Flint, Michigan), he gets married, experiences three major strikes within ten years, but somehow he perseveres and becomes a General Motors engineer.  He works his way up to middle management within the Guide Lamp Division, then is transferred to the GM Technical Center, where he works with the automotive safety community and the GM board of directors’ safety committee, accompanying some of the executives to Washington for various meetings and hearings.

While at the Tech Center, he begins a Society of Automotive Engineers committee to write performance standards for mobility equipment made for handicapped drivers, and is nominated for a presidential award by the Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association.

The story continues through the turbulent times that resulted in GM reorganizing several times, and eventually shedding its component divisions.

General Motors Institute education is a work-study program, so the book also includes a lot of personal anecdotes about his work experiences at the Guide Lamp Division of General Motors as well as some history of General Motors, Guide Lamp Division, and Anderson, Indiana, where the division is located.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?

The book was a natural progression from my first autobiography that dealt with my life through high school, which is called “Will That be Regular or Ethyl?”

5) How long did it take you to write it?

About three.years.

6) Did you learn anything from the project?

I learned that my memories did not always match with the memories of others who went through the same experiences.

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?

I had opened a FB page for the first book, but I didn’t think it was very helpful.  Still have it, but it is not very active.

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists? 

Find a place to write that works for you.  Write when the inspiration strikes you.

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?

I like historical fiction and genealogical sagas.   I am open to reading and reviewing new authors.  I have reviewed over 100 books on Goodreads.

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why? 

Pillars of the Earth, by Follett.  It’s in my wheelhouse of historical fiction, is very well written, and takes place in one of my favorite timeframes: the middle ages.

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?

Not at this time.  Have had dogs in the past.

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?

Kindle.  I love it – carry it wherever I go, and open it to read whenever I have a minute or two.

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Interview with Symone Dashell, Author of Stigmata

Hello,

I’m pleased to bring you this interview with Symone Dashell, author of Stigmata.

Please enjoy!

Best,

-Vincent Lowry

Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?    

My author name is Symone Dashell. I live in Atlanta, Georgia.

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?    

The title of my book is “Stigmata”. It is a psychological thriller and Christian fiction.

3) What is the book about?     

When Mya experiences a traumatic event that results in a fatality, she enters a whirlwind of a psychological nightmare that requires her to live her life with a dark and disorienting secret. Her existence in two different lives, two different eras, and with two different personas, begins to expand until, finally, it explodes.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?   

My interests in mental health grew through my formal education. I came to understand the importance of it as I moved forward and even went through bouts of depression which pushed me into advocacy. I also have found myself researching the more severe mental disorders. I decided that my interests in mental health and my faith in God should come together in a novel.

5) How long did it take you to write it?    

It took me almost a year to write this book.

6) Did you learn anything from the project?   

I learned quite a bit from this project. I learned about my persistence, resilience, and patience. I learned that writing would be my lifelong hobby and career. I also came to understand the way that God interacts with me and confirms those things that I need to do in my life. 

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?    

I do. Symonedashell.com is my website. Included on my website is a blog and a video under “works”.

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists?    

I would say to not allow fear to stop your from following through with your work or from those things that you want. 
    I worked with an Australian artist by the name of Loui Jover for my book cover art. He was extremely nice and did an amazing job. I would recommend him to anyone.

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?    

I like to read psychological thrillers. I am open to reading new authors and reviewing their work. 

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why?     

Supermarket by Bobby Hall (Logic). This book appears to be something totally different on the surface. Once you get to the core of what is actually taking place, it draws you in and opens up your mind to the impacts of mental illness. It also incorporates humor.

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?    

I do! I have a yorkie named Bentley.

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?    

I really don’t. I have my phone and my computer where I downloaded the kindle app. I would like suggestions for the best one, though.